Project: AquaLime Altered Crate

By request, instructions to make the AquaLime Altered Crate posted below. Thanks for all the sweet comments in various galleries! =)

Mod Podge may take a little practice but IMO it’s worth it! It makes a nice durable finish on your projects so they can be handled w/o worrying so much about damage. You can also use Royal Coat. Both are available in a variety of finishes including matte, glossy, antique, etc. There are quite a few other decoupage projects posted in my Crafty Things Gallery.

AquaLime Altered Crate

Supplies & notes:

AquaLime Digital Kit by Doris Castle (included in the new issue of Scrapbook Dimensions Magazine)
White Cardstock
Calypso Blue DecoArt® Americana® Acrylic Paint
Wood Crate (crate shown is 8x8x6 inches)
Mod Podge, Matte
Loew-Cornell® 3/4" Wash Brush (I prefer the white nylon brushes w yellow handles)
Coordinating Ribbons & Charm
Ruler
Paper Cutter
Scissors
Pencil
Optional: Wood filler & sandpaper

Instructions:

1. Sand and fill wood crate as needed.
2. Paint entire wood crate Calypso Blue and let dry. Apply a second coat if needed and let dry.
3. Select patterned paper(s) desired from the AquaLime kit. Print onto white cardstock.
   Tip: Do not use regular paper. It is not heavy enough to easily & smoothly decoupage onto the crate.
4. Measure the slats and cut the patterned paper to fit.
5. If your crate has handles like the one I used, trace the opening on the backside of the paper with a pencil and cut out with scissors.
6. Use your paint brush to apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the back of the paper. Cover the entire surface and go all the way to the edges. Carefully apply it to the crate. Let all strips dry (about 20 minutes).
   Tip: Do not saturate the paper. Mod Podge one strip at a time and apply it to the crate.
7. Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge over the top of paper to seal. Let dry.
   Tip: Occasionally small bubbles pop up during this stage. Generally they will relax and lay flat when dry.
8. Tie bits of ribbon through handle.
9. Add charm or any other desired embellishments.